3GK012 Preparing for Success at University Assignment Essay – Reflections, Goals, and Academic Success Plan

3GK012: Preparing for Success at University Assignment (2024/25)

1. What kind of assignment do I need to complete?

Q: What is the format of the assessment?

A: You will write a 2,500-word essay (±10%) that consists of three reflections, a section on aims and ambitions, and an Academic Success Plan (ASP).

2. What are the Different Sections of the Essay and their Word Limitations?

Q: What do I need to include in the essay?
A: Your essay must include the following:

• Reflection 1: Myself as an undergraduate (500 words)
  Write a short pen-portrait of yourself as a student. Why have you chosen to come to university? What do you want to achieve at university? What motivates you? What personal strengths can you bring to your studies? What could get in the way of you completing your degree or getting high grades? What can you do about this?
• Reflection 2: Learning in the university context (500 words)
  What strategies have you been using to learn? Are they effective? Reflect on your performance in class and how you are managing independent study outside of class
• Reflection 3: My academic skills development (600 words)
  What key academic skills have you developed so far this semester? What do you understand ‘academic skills’ to be? What academic skills do you need to work on?
• Aims and Ambitions: (500 words)
  Identify three academic goals (a short, a medium-term and a long-term goal) and develop an action plan to ensure you achieve your goals
• Academic Success Plan (ASP): (400 words using a table format)
  Your goals could tackle areas such as:

1. Your academic development as a student

2. Employability skills

3. Personal skills such as confidence, assertiveness, being more organised, looking after your wellbeing, etc.

4. When will you aim to achieve this goal (month/year)? Include a short-term (this academic year), a medium-term (perhaps goals for levels 4 or 5), and a long-term goal. Your long-term goal could relate to your final year, including your next steps after graduation

3. What is the Academic Success Plan (ASP)?

Q: What is the ASP, and how do I complete it?

A: The ASP is a goal-setting table where you outline:

• A short-term goal (this academic year)
• A medium-term goal (next year or mid-degree)
• A long-term goal (final year or post-graduation)

For each goal, specify the timeline, actions you’ll take, and any resources or support you’ll need.

4. Do I need to write in formal academic style?

Q: Is this an academic essay or a personal reflection?

A: It is a reflective academic essay, so you should write in a clear, structured style, use paragraphs, and support ideas with examples. You may use the first person (“I”), especially in the reflections.

5. When do I submit my assignment?

Q: What is the submission deadline?

A: The summative submission date will be listed on Canvas. Always check Canvas regularly for exact dates and deadlines.s

6. Where do I submit the assignment?

Q: How do I submit my work?

A: Submit both formative and summative assignments through the Canvas submission portals provided for each.

7. Can I get feedback before the final submission?

Q: Is there a draft submission or feedback opportunity?

A: Yes. You can submit a formative draft through Canvas. It will not be graded, but you will receive valuable feedback within two weeks to improve your final submission.

8. When will I receive my formative feedback?

Q: How soon after submitting my draft will I get feedback?

A: Formative feedback will be available two weeks after the formative submission portal closes. Check Canvas for the exact timeline.

9. Is there support available for writing reflections?

Q: I’m not sure how to write reflectively—where can I get help?

A: Guidance on reflective writing will be given in class throughout the semester. You’ll also have access to resources and examples on Canvas. Don’t hesitate to ask your tutor for support.

10. Do I need references in my essay?

Q: Should I include references or a bibliography?

A: While the focus is on personal reflection, you can reference any relevant frameworks, university resources, or academic theories discussed in class. Use Harvard Referencing if you cite sources.

11. Can I use bullet points in the ASP?

Q: How should I format the Academic Success Plan section?

A: The ASP should be presented as a table with clear, concise entries. Bullet points are acceptable within the table but keep the tone professional.